Philips VR-6541

[Vauxfan2k]

Hey guys,

I have either made a very bad mistake or have bagged a rarity but I purchased one of these machines. Purely on the cosmetic look of it rather than functionality.

I can't find any mention of this machine anywhere other than where I got it from.

Is this a clone of something or such a horrible machine that none of them have survived? Biting my nails here with anticipation....

[Clydeuk]

I think we rented a VR-6542 in the 80's, from what I remember it appeared to be based on a Sharp design rather than one of Philips own. It was a good reliable machine. Don't know if it's anything like the 6541.

[Clydeuk]

Just found a picture online of the 6541, not seen one of them before, the 6542 was slimmer than this and black in colour and proudly proclaimed that it had HQ circuitry. So my previous comment may not apply.

[Maarten]

It isn't likely to be a clone (I don't think Philips did any manufacturing under licence), but it is almost certainly a bought in set. Probably ODM from Sharp, possibly JVC or Panasonic.

If it is a Sharp manufactured recorder, those were pretty decent machines. It would be interesting if you could post a few pictures including one of the type plate. It should be pretty easy to determine the maker and approximate year (probably late 1980's).

[nigelr2000]

Looks a lot like a Sharp VC381 in style especially the control buttons and the door on the right see here
http://www.stereo2go.com/topic/1983-...62007193310151

[Maarten]

It looks a bit like a later variation on the VC-381 theme, but we can safely confirm by the looks of it that is was indeed made by Sharp.

[Libratron]

It's very similar at the National NV-280

http://www.oldvcr.com/collection/?Mo...l=NV-280&Ref=8

[Vauxfan2k]

Well it's a big brick now, powered up fine, wouldn't play so changed the capstan belt as it was very loose, refurbed the idler and replaced the smaller belt on the ff reel. It played for all of 20 seconds then cut out while the tape was still round the heads. The machine still powers on but the mechanism won't retract and there's no signs of life from the capstan motor when the machine is switched on from standby like there was before this happened.

I'm guessing something has popped, visually inspected the psu board for any signs of physical damage but seems fine. I'm not into electronic components (more the belts and mechanicals) so it's not looking good for this beastie.

[Vauxfan2k]

I tried to add a reply to my previous post regarding this vcr but it's been closed, mods feel free to combine them if it tidies things up.

Onto the machine

I had shelved this machine as after giving it a belt kit and service it played for about 20 seconds and then shut itself off.

The tape arms are stuck in the loaded position and the machine is not responsive although powers up.

After pressing the power button from standby it takes about 15 seconds before the machine comes on. Same again if put in standby and switched back on.

After doing some research and coming up pretty fruitless as it's a rare machine, I have found that the capstan motors are prone to failing. Another suggested culprit could be the psu.

I have removed the psu and inspected the board and caps for leaks or dry joints. None found. The caps check out ok with a meter, so it can only be a resistor or diode if the fault lies here. Since the capstan motor isn't marked and I don't know who Philips used the deck from, I need some help identifying the deck.

Here's a pic.

Thanks

Steve

[HamishBoxer]

Dirty mode switch?

[Welsh Anorak]

Hi
It's a Sharp deck similar to the 9300/381 series. I think the whole machine is of Sharp manufacture.
Can't say I've had a capstan motor fail, and this fault wouldn't suggest that. Concentrate on the loading motor and why it's not unloading. Mode switch as suggested would be a good starting point. I think a BA series chip controls the motor and a missing voltage here would cause the fault you describe - motor IC told to unlace, no U/L signal received after 15 seconds, shut machine down.
Glyn

[Vauxfan2k]

Thanks will take a look tonight. Waiting on hearing from a friend if he is able to check the psu for me.

[HamishBoxer]

The reel motor used to fail on Sharp decks and normally intermittent in nature.Knew that deck looked familiar.

[ben]

Definitely a sharp.
If it is the one I'm thinking of, there's a load belt which is a bit awkward to get to, you have to remove the deck I think (It's been about 18 years since I was last inside one). The sharp ones I think had a panel on the bottom you could remove, but even that didn't give you very good access.

[dj_fivos_sak]

Yes. That's a Sharp mechanism. Does the loading motor draw any power? Measure it with a multimeter.

Fivos

[Sideband]

Yes it is basically a Sharp machine but I don't know which model. These were a 'badge engineer' job by Philips. Disconnect one lead from the loading motor and feed it with a 9V battery. With any luck you should be able to get it to unlace.

[AC/HL]

Threads merged

[Vauxfan2k]

I've taken this machine home from storage, it's a bit full of condensation to work on tonight but il give it a go tomorrow. Forgot to grab my meter and a 9v battery when I was out, so another reason not to proceed.

TBH I'm a bit disappointed that it's a sharp deck, and by the looks of the heads and circuitry I can't really expect a great playback experience. Wondering if I should bother.

[Maarten]

It is a semi-rare collectors item, though. Also, Sharp recorders weren't that bad.

[Vauxfan2k]

Yeah I guess, hmm that's all that's saving it from the top haha